Bicycle Frame Lock with Movable Bearing for Spoke Evasion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frame locks for bicycles and vehicles face challenges in securing the wheel when a spoke obstructs the locking mechanism, requiring manual adjustment and potentially leaving the vehicle unlocked due to cumbersome operation, especially in fully automatic systems.
Innovation Solution
A frame lock design featuring a movable bearing that allows the locking device to evade spokes during the locking process, combined with a metal core and plastic teeth mechanism for stability and cost-effectiveness, and a control unit for automatic operation using wireless signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed frame lock is used to block the wheel, then the locking mechanism is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt when a spoke obstructs the locking path
Solution Approach 1:
The frame lock is mounted on a movable bearing that allows it to shift position dynamically. When the locking device encounters a spoke obstruction, the movable bearing enables the frame lock to adjust its position automatically, allowing the locking device to bypass the spoke and engage with the wheel at an alternative location between the spokes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is required when a spoke blocks the locking device, then the locking mechanism can adapt to spoke position, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bearing enables the frame lock to perform self-adjustment automatically when a spoke obstruction is detected. The system eliminates the need for manual intervention by allowing the frame lock to shift position on its own, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability to spoke position.
3Extent of automation
If an electromechanically driven locking bar is used, then automatic locking is achieved, but the user must still be nearby to manually reposition the wheel when the bar hits a spoke
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bearing allows the electromechanically driven locking bar to adapt dynamically to spoke obstructions. When the locking bar encounters a spoke, the movable bearing enables automatic position adjustment without requiring the user to manually reposition the wheel, thereby completing the automation process and eliminating the need for user intervention.
4Strength
If a metal shackle with metal teeth is used, then the locking mechanism is highly durable and secure, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle is constructed as a composite structure with a metal core providing structural strength and durability, while plastic teeth are attached to the metal core. This composite design maintains the mechanical strength required for secure locking while significantly reducing manufacturing costs compared to an all-metal construction.
5Stability of the object's composition
If the frame lock is mounted rigidly to the frame, then the structure is simple and stable, but the locking device cannot evade spokes during the closing process
Solution Approach 1:
The frame lock is mounted on a movable bearing that provides controlled mobility. This allows the frame lock to evade spokes during the closing process by shifting position when obstructions are encountered, while the bearing structure maintains overall stability and prevents excessive or uncontrolled movements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A frame lock (10) with means for attachment to the frame (12) of a bicycle or other person-powered vehicle, wherein the frame lock (10) can be locked from an open to a locked state, in which a shackle or other blocking device of the attached frame lock is located in the area between the spokes (20) of a vehicle wheel, wherein the means for attaching the frame lock (10) to the frame (12) of the vehicle comprise a movable bearing (18) which allows the frame lock (10) to move out of the way if the blocking device comes into contact with a spoke (20) during the closing process.